McHenry County GOP hopefuls aim to help staff improve
Three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for two McHenry County Board District 5 seats all want government to do more with less, but have slightly differing methods on how to achieve that.
Incumbent Michael Skala and challengers Joeseph Calomino and Andrew Snarski face off March 15 for the two-year seats.
Skala, elected in 2012 after serving 14 years on the Community Consolidated School District 158 board, said he aims to do his homework ahead of time, challenge staff members and work amicably with other board members when people don't agree. Skala said the county has a good, honest and genuine staff that cares, and it is not an affront to them if he as a board member disagrees or asks questions.
"It's challenging staff to look at things differently then perhaps they were looking at it," Skala said. "I'm not a rubber stamp kind of guy. It's not a 'gotcha' game. We can get better county board members that do their homework and feel like they're there for the benefit of the county, not just political reasons."
Calomino stressed his experience working with legislators on both sides of the aisle as a liaison in Springfield and exposing wasted tax dollars while working in both the public and private sectors. As a county board member, Calomino said, he would work constructively with the staff.
"It's working with staff, seeing the processes they're using and looking at ways to refine them and make them better," Calomino said. "It doesn't make you a rebel. It means you're doing your job."
Snarski, retired and making his first run at office, is quick to point out the plethora of taxing bodies in McHenry County. He said he would prefer to consolidate some services provided by multiple agencies.
One example Snarksi gave was of a township and senior volunteer network both providing a ride sharing service. He said his business acumen could help find more potential savings.
"I will be the county board member who understands the issues, offers innovative solutions, and demands that government do more with less," Snarski said. "This is being done in the private sector and must be done in the public sector."
Early voting begins Monday and runs through March 14. Winners advance to the November general election.